The Mint app has shut down as of Jan. 1, 2024. For alternatives, check out CNBC Select's ranking of the best budgeting apps.
Budgeting for the perfect item — whether it's a new pair of running shoes, an upgraded refrigerator or a flat-screen TV — requires some forethought and planning.
This is especially true when an item costs more than your monthly income (like, say, a $4,000 treadmill). But even a series of impulse purchases can throw your budget off track if you're not careful.
In a recent study by coupon search engine Coupon Follow, 63% of respondents reported using buy-now-pay-later financing, aka point-of-sale (POS) loans, to afford something they bought online. Of this group, 60% reported they were able to get a POS loan that they otherwise would not have qualified for, and 72.6% reported adding extra items to their cart.
If you are new to credit or rebuilding a damaged credit score, POS loans might be easier to qualify for than a personal loan or 0% APR credit card. Companies like Affirm, Afterpay and Klarna now partner with major brands and department stores like Dillard's, Peloton, H&M, Macys and many more to provide flexible payment options to a wider range of customers.
But while buy-now-pay-later options are convenient, this flexibility might cost you: POS loans often charge interest, so you pay more for the product over time. And even with no-interest options, you could get stuck paying off a loan for six months or longer.
Other ways to afford big purchases
Most consumers who used POS financing in Coupon Follow's survey reported using it to buy electronics, followed by beauty/health products, home and garden products and games/books/media.
Instead of getting stuck with months (or even years) of loan payments, consider other options first:
Save up the cash
Yes, this method takes time, but it's also the least risky.
When you've got a big purchase on the horizon, use a budgeting app like Mint to set goals so you can have enough cash on hand to pay for the product in full. Decide now how much you want to spend on holidays and birthdays for the year, then start putting aside monthly amounts into a savings account today.
Another option is signing up for an app like Goodbudget, which uses the envelop system to categorize your spending money every month. Consider making a category for "fun money," or cash to spend on nonessential purchases like hair products, video games, skin care, etc. When you've used up your budgeted amount, know that more will come next month. Or, opt to save this month's fun money so that you can double up next month. This approach could help you avoid those last-minute impulses purchases.
And if you want to get serious about where your cash is going, You Need A Budget (YNAB) will help you allocate every dollar of your budget. You can set spending and saving goals, then track your progress to see how well you honor your limits.
Borrow money from a friend or family member
The process of asking your family member or friend for a loan might help you get clear on exactly why (and if) you need the money. The benefit of borrowing from a loved one is that they probably won't charge you interest (or very little), and talking to someone you trust about your finances might be a good way to help you prioritize your wants and needs.
If you go this route, just be sure to get the loan and repayment plan in writing. Decide on a monthly payment, just like you would with money you borrow from a bank, and how long you have to pay them back. Have both parties sign, and do your best to uphold your promise.
Use an upcoming windfall
With tax season upon us and a third Covid relief bill in the works, over 150 million Americans are expecting to receive an influx of cash in the coming months. Last year, the average tax refund was $3,125, but it could be more this year if you didn't receive a stimulus check last year.
If you can avoid it, don't spend your entire windfall. Map out a plan that includes saving, debt payoff (if necessary) and spending. This might mean splitting it up into thirds — put one-third toward something fun, one-third in savings and one-third toward debt. You can adjust these amounts however you want, taking into account both needs and wants.
Earn extra money
Put your skills to good use by starting a side hustle or picking up a part-time job. If a purchase is important to you, it might be worth your time to earn the extra cash to pay for it. And if it's not, you may decide that having your time back is more valuable. Challenging yourself to earn the extra cash for your expenses is a surefire way to gauge whether the purchase is worth the extra hustle.
Bottom line
When trying to make ends meet on a tight budget, POS loans can help put certain purchases within reach. They might even help build your credit score if you make all of your payments on time (only some companies report to the bureaus, however).
But just because POS loans are convenient doesn't mean they are always the best long-term choice. Consider budgeting ahead, earning extra cash or using an upcoming windfall to finance discretionary purchases before you look to borrow — especially when you could be on the hook for interest and long-term commitments.
